COVID-19 Tele Town Hall TODAY at 3:30PM. Register here.
Colorado receives major disaster declaration. Add'l funding received. |
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am so
heartened
seeing all the many acts of kindness! Whether it is picking up groceries for an elderly neighbor, being a listening ear to a friend in need, ordering take-out from your favorite local restaurant, or even transforming into a toilet paper ninja, people across Colorado are doing their part to help each other in these hard times.
I need you to do one more thing. Complete your census form.
With COVID-19 causing economic hardship for many Coloradans, filling out your
Census
survey is
more important now than it has ever been.
Getting an accurate count could literally determine how well Colorado recovers from the recession, including how much funding our communities will receive from the federal government.
The
2020 Census will determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into our communities every year for the next decade. It will also determine whether Colorado receives an 8th seat in Congress, and thus more influence in federal legislation. It will help determine who represents YOU.
Let's make sure that every Coloradan is counted and every voice is heard.
We will get through these extraordinary times, together.
Boldly Forward,
P.S. In an attempt to keep folks informed, I have been sending more frequent updates. As always, follow me on
facebook
,
twitter
and
instagram
for updates on COVID-19.
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Stay Informed
with reliable, up-to-date information on COVID19. For general questions, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email COHELP@RMPDC.org.
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Denver's Stay-at-Home Order
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Hancock has issued a mandatory
stay-at-home order for Denver, which is now in effect.
Click
here
for the full text, including exemptions to the restrictions. Find frequently asked questions here.
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*COVID-19 By The
Numbers
Colorado: 327 new cases were reported on Saturday for a total of
2,061
cases and 44 deaths. [
Source
]
United States: All 50 states have confirmed cases, with the largest hotspots in New York (
53,563
cases), New Jersey (11,124 cases), and California (5,565 cases). [
Source
]
Global:
China, South Korea and Singapore have been reporting less than 150 new cases per day, while 4 countries reported more than 5,000 new cases on Saturday: Italy (5,974), Germany (6,824), Spain (7,516), and the United States (19,452) [
Source
]
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 Economic Relief
*President Tr
ump approved Colorado's request for a
major disaster declaration
. This declaration allows the state and tribes, along with some local governments and nonprofits, to receive federal money to help with COVID-19.
Governor Polis has recently taken the following executive actions:
For Individuals and Businesses in Denver:
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Additional COVID-19 Updates from the Governor
Updated 3/28 at 11:22 AM
Governor Polis has removed restrictions on auto insurance for restaurant delivery drivers. [Full Text]
*Governor Polis' statewide
"Stay-at-Home" order will last through April 11th. To read frequently asked questions about this order click
here. [
En Español]
To report instances where folks are not following the "Stay-at-Home" order please contact your county public health department (
Denver) or go to the Attorney Generals
website.
Gov. Polis launched the state's Innovation Response Team (IRT) to ramp up a mass testing program for COVID-19 and develop alternatives for critical medical supplies in short supply.
Suspension of elective and nonessential surgeries and medical procedures, to free up medical devices and personal protective equipment for medical staff.
Hair and nail salons, spas, tattoo and massage parlors are CLOSED until April 30th.
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Federal Response
*$2 Trillion Aid Package
Today an unprecedented $2 trillion stimulus package was
signed into law. This package
include
s
sending direct payments to taxpayers, increasing unemployment benefits, providing small businesses that keep their workers with emergency loans, providing distressed companies with government bailouts and providing hospitals with $100 billion in aid.
The New York Times is providing live updates on this package
here
.
*Receiving your direct payment. Single adults with Social Security numbers who are U.S. residents and have an annual gross income (income before taxes) of $75,000 or less will receive $1,200. For every child age 16 or younger, you will receive an additional $500. You do NOT have to apply to receive this payment. These payments are expected to come within the next three weeks.
*Expanding unemployment benefits. This bill more than doubles the average unemployment benefit by adding $600 to the weekly benefit. It will also allow self-employed and part time workers to receive benefits, expanding the number of Americans that are covered.
*Delaying student loan payments.
Under this bill you can delay student loan payments for up to 6 months. Interest will not accrue until September 30th, without penalty. You must request this delay.
For more F.A.Q on stimulus checks, unemployment and the Coronavirus bill, click
here.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Signed on March 18th. To read more on what this Act includes, click here.
T
he
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental
Signed on March 6th.
See what this $8.3 billion package includes
here
.
For more information on the federal response to COVID-19, click
here.
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Connect for Health CO Open!
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Resources for Seniors
Senior shopping hours. Stores are dedicating hours for seniors,
click here.
Show our seniors some love and support.
Read
7 ways to boost your loved one's morale here (provided by AARP).
Transportation
for seniors. The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council has transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Older Adult Resource Directory. An extensive directory of contact information, including benefits, emergency services, meals and healthcare.
Food pantry schedule. A listing of food pantries in the Denver Metro area.
Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resources. A collection of resources including guides to in-home healthcare, transportation, and legal assistance.
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Paying Rent & Utilities
T-Mobile has announced that they will not terminate service because of inability to pay and will waive ate fees.
1) N
ot terminate service to customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
2) W
aive late fees caused by circumstances related to COVID-19.
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Small Businesses & Workers
Updated 3.26 at 12:32PM
If you have been laid off due to a business closure related to COVID-19, are experiencing wage reductions or are working fewer hours, you can file a claim here.
*Several employers are hiring, including health care, grocery stores, package delivery companies, and companies offering online products for delivery. Register here
for more details.
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Mental Health
Mental Health Colorado has updated its
resource page
with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.
Colorado Crisis Services. If you are more seriously concerned about your own mental health or that of someone close to you, call 1-844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.
Denver Therapy Match. Search for Denver providers
here.
Open Path.
For additional reduced rate
options
.
Psychology Today. Search for statewide providers here.
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*
At Home Learning & Activities
Updated 3.28 10:35 AM
Although The Denver Public Library is closed, they still have many free online resources you can access such as book clubs, story time (starting today) and programs like daily Ukulele lessons. See an extensive list of these programs here. Additional resources gathered by The Denver Public Library for teens, children and Spanish speakers can be found here.
Rocky Mountain PBS will air educational programs from 6AM-5PM, weekdays, to support at-home learning. View the program schedule and learning resources here.
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Assistance for Students
and Families
Updated 3.27 11:35 AM
Technology needed. The Colorado Department of Higher Education is working together with Help Colorado Now to ensure that every child has access to computers for online and distance learning. For many of our most vulnerable students, even a few weeks can be the difference between success and failure. Learn more about communities in need and technology requested
here. Help ensure that student's studies aren't interrupted and donate new and refurbished laptops today. Fill out this
form to donate.
Please note the new times for grab-and-go meal pick up. Denver Public School students and family members
can receive
free meals at twelve sites
. Breakfast and Lunch will now be available for pick up on weekdays from 11AM-12:30PM.
The locations are:
- Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 Federal Blvd
- Valverde Elementary School, 2030 W Alameda Ave
- Joe Shoemaker School, 3333 S Havana St.
- Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr.
- Cowell Elementary School, 4540 W 10th Ave
- North High School, 2960 Speer Blvd
- STRIVE Prep - Sunnyside, 4735 N Pecos St
- Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St
- Denver Center for International Studies - Baker, 574 W 6th Ave
- Manual High School, 1700 E 28th Ave
- The Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St
- The Montbello Campus, 5000 Crown Blvd
In addition, Food for Thought Denver
will be providing Powersacks at all twelve locations, every Friday. Each Powersack contains enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.
Hunger Free Colorado
has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and SNAP and WIC enrollment.
Students outside Denver can find nearby locations to pick up meals
here.
A full list of Food Distribution sites from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
here.
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Childcare and Resources for Parents
If you are a health care professional or work in public safety, and need childcare, you may be eligible to receive it through the
Emergency Childcare Collaborative
.
How to talk to your child about COVID-19.
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*Personal Protective Equipment
Updated 3.27 at 1:00 PM
Colorado currently has 1849 ICU beds and 9,000 ventilators. The goal is to add 1,000 ICU beds by May, 5,000 ICU beds this summer and 7,000 ventilators. Please see donation/drop off resources below.
Personal Protective Equipment and other medical supplies.
Location: 10377 E Geddes Ave ste. 200, Centennial, CO 80112
Hours:
7 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday. If you cannot drop off during those hours, you can leave supplies by the West door of the building.
You can also fill out this form and someone will reach out to you to coordinate the donation.
*
To donate Personal Protective Equipment keep the bare minimum amount of supply you need to conduct essential or life saving functions, and contribute the remainder to our state's COVID19 response. If you have small quantities of supplies to contribute, between 1-25 boxes of personal protective equipment, donate these supplies to your
local public health department
,
local community health center
, community clinic, or local hospital. If you have more than 25 boxes, or the pieces of larger equipment such as anesthesia machines or ventilators, fill out
THIS FORM
.
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Updated 3.27 at 12:50 PM
*
Help Colorado Now has raised $7.7 million dollars from nearly 4,000 individuals, foundations and companies since the fund launched. More than 9,000 volunteers including 2,000 health care volunteers have signed up to date.
The grant process has now begun and will be on a rolling basis.
Those interested in applying for relief funds up to $25K can apply
here
.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here
. Make an appointment here.
*Consider signing up to be a volunteer, or a neighborhood team leader here. Volunteer needs will vary depending on where you are located and what you are willing and able to do. Some volunteer options are administrative, client advocacy, construction, mental wellness, food bank support, language skills, healthcare, volunteer management, childcare, delivery of goods and more!
*Health Care Response Volunteer Sign Up. Once you sign up you will be contacted and matched with a hospital or care facility in need in your area.
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College Students and Higher Education
Updated 3/27 at 2:23PM
FedLoan Servicing will reduce their interest rates to 0%. This went into effect on March 13, 20202 and will hold for at least 60 days.
*Right now, Coloradans across the state are dealing with financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and student loans are making it worse for young people, especially young people of color. Click here for some tips from New Era Colorado if you're struggling to pay back your student loans during this uncertain period of time.
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Do not call 911
if you are seeking general medical advice or a COVID-19 test.
For people with mild symptoms:
Early on, symptoms
may feel like a cold, including cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness.
-
If you have mild symptoms including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or suspect that you were exposed, please stay home and self-isolate.
Use over-the-counter medication to treat mild symptoms. M
ost individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.
For people with more serious symptoms,
especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath:
-
Continue to self-isolate.
Call your health care provider or a nurseline if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. Your provider may recommend you be tested for COVID-19.
For people with severe symptoms:
(severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
-
Call 911 and tell the dispatcher your symptoms. These could include symptoms
of heart attack or stroke; d
ifficulty breathing; c
hoking; d
ifficulty speaking, walking, or seeing; s
evere allergic reactions; c
onfusion, dizziness, or disorientation; or s
udden, severe pain.
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Past COVID-19 Newsletters
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Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists.
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